Ironwood Forest National Monument, Arizona Desert Backpacking, Polish Laavu, Firebox Nano Stove

Join me on this unexpected trip to Arizona as I do an overnight backpacking trip in the Ironwood Forest National Monument. I camp out beneath majestic Saguaro cactus in my Polish Laavu at the base of Ragged Top Mountain and cook up some good food on my Firebox Nano Stove. Be sure to hit that like button and consider subscribing to the channel if you enjoyed the video. Thanks for watching.

[@HuckOutdoors]

Looks like another great trip! I really like those blankets you bring along.

[@HeliJim400]

Those blankets are actually antique handmade rugs, woven by nomadic Balouchi tribes in northern Iran. It was a great trip, couldn’t have had better weather.

[@rgvkid250]

I figure I’d take the time to transcribed all the dialogue in this videos script. Here it goes. Jim: Cheers. The End. I love it! The editing and cinematography speak for itself! Another great outing that you took us along with you. Love all the off the beaten path places you go to. Thanks Jim!

[@HeliJim400]

🤣🤣🤣Thanks Charles, that about sums it up!

[@BrosephRussell]

What an awesome trip 👏 the Polish Lavvu looks awesome out the in the Desert

[@HeliJim400]

I love that laavu tent, wish it was a little lighter😆

[@ronsowers1787]

What a cool, cool set up. Man you are doin' it right. Absolutely beautiful. Cheers !!!

[@HeliJim400]

Thanks, I really appreciate that!

[@stankennedy398]

Once again some beautiful photography. The solitude of that area looks awesome. I like that little coffee filter. Oh and don’t forget the mustard. Cheers.

[@HeliJim400]

I don’t think I could have picked a better spot, so I really lucked out considering it was a last minute trip. It was incredibly quiet, I was hoping for a little bird action in the morning but it never happened. The filter system is awesome, you will definitely be seeing that in future videos.

[@DaPaC1978]

“Mustard...”😂 I tend to forget at least one thing when I go out camping. Another great video!

[@HeliJim400]

Yep, me too. First thing I did when I got home from the trip, put some mustard packets in my pack!

[@DaPaC1978]

@@HeliJim400 😂 Awesome!!

[@Charlieg01]

You have another winner here Jim greats shots that’s tough with out a chair, always carry a few pack of mustard one pack comes in pretty handy incase you have cramps hip hip!!!

[@HeliJim400]

Yeah I was missing my chair but I had to carry a lot of water and my pack weight was pushing 40lbs. I’ve heard about mustard for cramps, never tried it.

[@markstanton2362]

Your tent blends in beautifully with the surroundings.

[@HeliJim400]

I definitely looks good in any outdoor scenery. Thanks for watching.

[@Querenciatv]

Lovely Video! Thank you for sharing. Can't wait to see more content 😊

[@HeliJim400]

Thanks for watching! More videos coming soon👍

[@brianpowell5082]

Cheers on a great video and camp!! Some of those Saguaros were quite old with so many "arms" on them! What a lovely place!

[@HeliJim400]

Thank you! It was a real treat being surrounded by such amazing cacti, in such a beautiful place.

[@brianpowell5082]

@@HeliJim400 Arizona looks so fun!

[@Sejimoto74]

Great set up, very classy.

[@HeliJim400]

I love my old vintage gear, as long as I’m not doing a long hike!

[@tdiler12]

Would you believe there are 1 star reviews for this monument citing the roads as being rough and not enough signs and pavement? They’re clueless. Fun straightforward video and the external frame looks great the way a backpack can actually sit straight up when empty. What a wonderful concept.

[@HeliJim400]

It’s hard to believe anyone could have something bad to say about this place but it doesn’t surprise me. For some the glass is always going to be half empty. I think it’s a beautiful spot, easy to access and free to camp. Really doesn’t get a whole lot better IMO. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@johnstewart8849]

I’m looking at your framed pack. 50 years ago, my CampTrails pack was similar. I added a frame extension at the top, to carry my 53 pounds of winter gear. Recently, I have been trying 9 different packs..Osprey 65L, Teton Scout, three military MOLLE packs...after a year of buying, trying, returning, I have arrived at the Alps Mountaineering framed pack 34L. It is almost the same as the old CampTrails or Kelty. It feels like home to me. The Teton was the biggest disappointment...half as wide as the Alps, carried much less in reality...pockets were just ”there,” no pass-thru behind for poles, two long pockets just hung on the sides...designed to do what...not SmartWater bottles. Backpack designed by uninspired people in cubicles, not on the trail.

[@HeliJim400]

I really enjoy using the old Kelty. I have a great pack from ULA but I guess I’m just a bit nostalgic when it comes to vintage stuff. Those old Kelty packs are just about indestructible if properly cared for. Pretty comfortable too if you keep the load under 30lbs. That Alps Mountaineering pack looks pretty sweet, not bad on the price too. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

[@Wildirishmanbiker]

Not sure why I liked this video maybe because he forgot the mustard lol. Really good vid though. I have the same firebox and the brats looked really good too. Do you see many quail or wildlife out there? Have been meaning to camp over there

[@HeliJim400]

I saw a desert kit fox and some desert sheep(near Borrego palm canyon) that’s about it. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@johnathandough9095]

Great vid.. I'm from New England. So, I'm a little envious how little insulation you needed. It bulks up a pack quick. Also, for coffee I recommend the gsi ultralight java drip. It's served me well for many years. It folds up flat and is light as a feather. Although judging by your canvas tent, retro bag, rugs, and lantern, it doesn't appear that pack weight is a major concern for you. Just out of curiosity, what was your pack weight and how far did you hike from your car?

[@HeliJim400]

Thanks! The total distance I hiked was about 2 miles My pack weight was about 45 pounds(10 of that was water). I do have lighter gear for longer multiple day trips so I'll look into the gsi system. Thanks for commenting and watching!

[@HeliJim400]

Update: I bought the Java drip and the gsi mug, they will be featured in my next video. Thanks for the heads up!

[@ryanalvarado3986]

Curious...what brand/model of tent is that?

[@HeliJim400]

It is a polish laavu. They are military surplus from Poland. I got mine on eBay. It’s actually a poncho/tent, can be used either way.

[@ryanalvarado3986]

@@HeliJim400 thanks for the info. I really appreciate it 👍

[@arjunakrishna2495]

i want a hat like yours! where did you purchase it?

[@HeliJim400]

I got that hat at a yard sale, lol. It is made by K-Hats, if that helps.

[@redgepeifer8717]

Another "GREAT HIKING VIDEO". AWAYS AWESOME PHOTOGRAPY. Your HIKING videos are "THE BEST of THE BEST". 👏 Redge 🏕 THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!